ArcelorMittal to reopen Monessen coke plant

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ArcelorMittal announced today it will invest $50 million to restart its Monessen coke plant, creating 113 jobs.

Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal said the investment will modernize pollution-control equipment at the plant, which produces a baked coal that steel producers use in blast furnaces. The upgrades will also make the plant safer and more competitive, plant manager Paul Champagne said.

The company is seeking the permits needed to break ground on the project. Production is expected to resume by May 2014, when the plant will employ about 180, Mr. Champagne said.

ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel producer, purchased the plant in October 2008 and idled it the following May. About 67 people have remained on the job since then maintaining the plant.